Wheel

Kirby: Triple Deluxe artwork

Wheel

Name (JA)

ホイール (Hoīru)

- Meaning

Wheel

In Games

In the anime

#J36/#E32 - #J91/#E91

Type

Transformational

Appearance

Backwards red baseball cap, features white stripes and a winged star at the front of the cap as of Kirby: Triple Deluxe. Transforms into pink/red wheel with a star on the hubcap.

Properties

None. in Kirby: Squeak Squad, Fire, Thunder, or Ice depending on terrain. Requires Ability Scroll

Other Powers

Rides on water and lava (after Kirby's Adventure), breaks Metal Blocks (Kirby's Adventure and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land only)

amiibo

Wario, Captain Falcon

“	Turn into a wheel and roll around at high speed!”
	— Kirby Battle Royale - Kirby's 25th Anniversary Copy Ability Poll

Wheel is one of Kirby's Copy Abilities, debuting in Kirby's Adventure.

Games[]

Kirby's Adventure and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land[]

Wheel debuts in Kirby's Adventure, where it is obtained from Wheelie, Grand Wheelie, and Paint Roller's cars. Here, when is pressed, he turns into a wheel and accelerates, defeating most enemies, as well as dealing damage to mid-bosses and bosses. Kirby can turn using or , and he stops if he hits a wall, touches water, or is pressed again.

In the remake, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Wheel functions the same.

Techniques[]

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Stop Dash	during Dash	Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.
Turn	while dashing	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Stop Dash	during Dash	Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.
Turn	while dashing	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Stop Dash	during Dash	Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.
Turn	while dashing	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.

Kirby's Dream Course[]

In Kirby's Dream Course, Wheel is an ability to be used with planning and caution, though it has a built-in safety feature that no other ability possesses. When activated, Wheel Kirby will continuously drive in a straight line towards the same direction that regular Kirby was moving, and he cannot be controlled in this form. Sand bunkers and water hazards will be ignored and treated the same as regular terrain. It is a risky ability, as Kirby will not stop before driving off the edge of the course, or stop at all without falling off or hitting something immovable. However, when Wheel Kirby hits a bumper or wall, he will immediately lose all speed, then jump and spin in the air before coming to a rest. This makes it a somewhat safer ability than Burning in Kirby's Dream Course.

Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra[]

Wheel reappears in Kirby Super Star, granted by Wheelie, who is its Helper. Wheel's moveset has been expanded, giving it new moves. Wheel can also ride on top of water. Additionally, with a Wheelie Helper, Kirby can mount it to form the Wheelie Rider duo, which functions similarly to Wheel solo. However, the newly-added move Turn Jump ignores invincibility frames, meaning that Kirby is vulnerable while using this move.

In Kirby Super Star Ultra, Wheel can additionally be obtained from Grand Wheelie.

Techniques[]

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Turn	or	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.
Brake		Kirby slows down briefly. This move also takes away some of his invincibility frames.
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed, and can even drive on water. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Dash release		Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.

Move	Controls (Facing Right)	Description
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed, and can even drive on water. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Stop Dash		Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.
Brake	Dash + /	Kirby slows down briefly. This move also takes away some of his invincibility frames.
Go Slow	Dash + Hold /	Kirby's speed slows down. This move also takes away some of his invincibility frames.
Turn	Dash +	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.
Turn Jump	Dash + Repeatedly turn	Kirby jumps and rolls into the opposite direction. This also erases invincibility frames from Kirby, making him open for damage.

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Turn	or	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.
Brake		Kirby slows down briefly. This move also takes away some of his invincibility frames.
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed, and can even drive on water. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Dash release		Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Turn	or	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.
Brake		Kirby slows down briefly. This move also takes away some of his invincibility frames.
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed, and can even drive on water. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Dash release		Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.

Kirby Air Ride[]

In Kirby Air Ride, Wheel can be obtained by inhaling a Wheelie in Air Ride mode, or by collecting its patch in City Trial and in several of its Stadiums. As it is a Copy Ability, only Kirby can transform, and not Meta Knight or King Dedede.

While in Wheel Form, Kirby turns into a red wheel with two circles containing a star on both sides. He has above average speed, and is slightly less maneuverable than most Air Ride Machines. The player can pick fast machines to cover straights and use Wheel (or Wing) to cover sections with turns - this is especially important in checking off several time attack checkboxes.

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror and Kirby: Squeak Squad[]

Wheel returns in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, functioning similarly to Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, although Kirby now gains the ability to jump. It is obtained from Wheelie, Yellow Golems, Wiz's car, and Moley's tire.

In Kirby: Squeak Squad, after obtaining the Ability Scroll in Nature Notch - Stage 3, Wheel can additionally be infused with Fire, Thunder, or Ice elements, depending on the terrain, to modify the environment; Ice Wheel can freeze water Kirby rides over, Fire Wheel can burn bushes, and Spark Wheel generates sparks on water and metal. If Kirby is colored using Spray Paint, the Wheel will change to match that color.

Techniques[]

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Element	Description
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.	Sizzle* Zap* Blizzard*
Stop Dash	during Dash	Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.	N/A
Turn	while dashing	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.
Jump	while dashing	Kirby jumps while rolling, allowing him to go up steps or over gaps.

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Stop Dash	during Dash	Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.
Turn	while dashing	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.
Jump	while dashing	Kirby jumps while rolling, allowing him to go up steps or over gaps.

Move	Controls (While facing right)	Description
Dash		Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.
Stop Dash	during Dash	Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.
Turn	while dashing	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.
Jump	while dashing	Kirby jumps while rolling, allowing him to go up steps or over gaps.

Kirby: Canvas Curse[]

Wheel appears as an ability in Kirby: Canvas Curse. In this game, when Kirby is tapped, he accelerates, defeating enemies and destroying obstacles in his way. Wheel also allows Kirby to jump off Rainbow Lines, not needing them to move.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby: Planet Robobot[]

Wheel returns in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, where its moveset has been further expanded form its appearance in prior games. Wheel is obtained from Wheelie and Grand Wheelie.

In Kirby: Planet Robobot, Wheel has a Robobot Armor mode. Wheel is obtained from Wheelie, and can also be obtained from the Wario and Captain Falcon amiibo.

Techniques[]

Move	Controls (While facing right)		Description	Damage
Move			Description	Damage
Dash			Kirby transforms into a wheel and rolls forward at high speed, and can even drive on water. When his path is obstructed by a wall or dangerous obstacles like spikes, he crashes and his roll ends.	26 (start), 18 (late), 15 (repeat hits)
Stop Dash	during Dash	Press during Dash	Kirby stops rolling and transforms back to normal.	0
Jump	during Dash	Press during Dash	Kirby jumps while rolling, allowing him to go up steps or over gaps.	22
Downshift	while dashing in midair	during Dash in midair	Kirby drills straight downwards before continuing to dash.	22 (first hit), 20 (second hit)
Rocket Start	Hold and release during Dash		Kirby charges up, then dashes forward at a high speed for a short time.	8 (initial hit during start-up), 2 (multi-hits during start-up), 30 (release)
Sky Wheel	during Rocket Start		Kirby jumps and soars through the air, flying farther and higher than a normal jump, all the while doing flips.	30, 18 (combo'd from Rocket Start)
Turn	while dashing	during Dash	Kirby turns around to roll the other way. Kirby's speed goes up after a turn.	N/A
Turn Jump	While dashing, press repeatedly	Press repeatedly during Dash	Kirby jumps and rolls into the opposite direction.	22, 16 (repeat hits)

Robobot Armor[]

Move	Controls	Description	Element
Turbo Accelerate		The Robobot Armor accelerates forward for as long as is held.	None
Speed Burst	+	The Robobot Armor jumps forward and accelerates.	None
Burn Rubber	repeatedly	The Robobot Armor does a series of donuts for as long as is repeatedly pressed, creating fire.	Sizzle
3D Spring Hopper	///	The Robobot Armor jumps from one plane to another.	None

Kirby's Dream Buffet[]

Wheel returns as a Copy Food Ability in Kirby's Dream Buffet, obtained from the Wheel Donut. In this form, Kirby resembles a donut and rolls quickly, knocking opponents to the side. Kirby cannot fall off the edges while this ability is active. If is held while this ability is active, he starts drifting. After drifting long enough, Kirby releases the drift and gains a short boost in speed. The ability wears off after a short amount of time.

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya![]

	This section contains information that does not coincide with the main series canon.	(Similar)

KRBaY Wheel Form — Kirby in his Wheel form.

Wheel Kirby appeared in both racing-themed episodes of the anime, where it's naturally the most useful. It keeps the same look, with Kirby turning into a pink tire with a green and yellow hubcab with a yellow star on it, but gains no extra powers - just pure speed. Even when it looks like all is lost, Wheel Kirby can zoom past all opposition. It's his fastest ability after Jet, though he does still get tired after a while.

Transformation Sequence[]

Wheel Kirby Transformation (English)

Wheel Kirby Transformation

In the transformation sequence, Kirby waves a checkered flag around until a tire hits him and he spins around, then the tire appears on his head where it turns into the red cap, which Kirby adjusts so it's on backwards.

Flavor Texts[]

Game	Flavor text
	Kirby turns into a wheel and can move at super speed! But watch for obstacles and excess speed!
	Roll over your enemies! Call a helper and ride the Wheel. Watch out for thorns and don't speed!
	I ride like the wind! Fast! Too fast!
	Use lines to turn sharply!
	I ride like the Wind FAST! TOO FAST!
	Roll to be nearly invincible or ride a Wheel Helper! Beware thorns and holes.
	Put pedal to the metal, and surge ahead with a Dash! As long as you've got speed, you're invincible, baby! Just watch out for potholes!

Related Quotes[]

“	The legendary racer zooms down the track. 3, 2, 1... Turbo Accelerate!”
	— Wheel Mode • Kirby: Planet Robobot

“	While using the Wheel ability, you can hold R to drift into a turn. If you drift long enough, you'll activate a Turbo Drift and get an extra boost!”
	— Tasty Tidbit • Kirby's Dream Buffet

In Other Languages[]

Names, etymology and in other regions
Language	Name	Definition, etymology and notes
	ホイール	Officially romanized as Wheel.
	Wheel
	흴	Translates to Wheel.
	Reifen Rad	Translates to Tire. Translates to Wheel.
(General)	Roue	Translates to Wheel.
	Ruota	Translates to Wheel.
(General)	Rueda	Translates to Wheel.

Trivia[]

Wheel Kirby's artwork for Kirby's Adventure shows the wheel that Kirby turns into as gray instead of pink. The wheel also has a face in the artwork, which is not present in any game.
Wheel Kirby's hat looks similar to the hats of Yo-Yo, Paint, and ESP Kirby, but with a different color palette in each case (Yo-Yo's is purple, Paint's is gray, ESP's is blue); for the latter two, this is because of the limitations of the SNES.
Wheel's ability hat in Kirby Air Ride is only used for a few frames, during the flashing when the Copy Chance Wheel is passed through; the hat is not seen while the ability is actually in use, as Kirby automatically transforms into a wheel.

Wheel Kirby's hat in Kirby Air Ride
Like other Copy Abilities in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror and Kirby: Squeak Squad, part of the ability's color is affected by Spray Paint (in this case, the tire Kirby transforms into).
In Kirby: Squeak Squad, when Wheel Kirby is standing still, every few seconds he will fix his cap.
While Wheel did not appear in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Needle can roll into enemies with a dash attack similar to Wheel.
Wheel is the only Copy Ability in Kirby: Triple Deluxe that returned from a previous game that does not make an appearance in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
In Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby: Planet Robobot, Wheel Kirby is completely invincible when using most of its attacks. This includes Turn Hops, which keep Kirby in place, allowing him to constantly attack opponents from one spot. This is very useful for speedruns in The Arena and The True Arena, as well as avoiding damage. The only two bosses that are difficult to beat using this method are Dubior and the fourth phase of Star Dream Soul OS. This is because they are too high above the Turn Hop’s height, and the player must wait for them to reach the ground.
The "Rocket Start" move may be a reference to the Mario Kart series, although it also bears close resemblance to Sonic's Spin Dash move.